Ultra-broadband Programmable Hybrid Step Attenuator

Abstract

Systems and methods for partitioning the frequency spectrum for use in a plurality of function circuits, including step attenuation, phase modulation, and gain amplification functional circuits. A system may include a programmable step attenuator including selection circuitry and functional circuitry. First selection circuitry may include a plurality of outputs and may receive a signal and selectively provide the signal to an output based on the signal's frequency. First circuitry may be coupled to one of the outputs and may operate as a first step attenuator for signals in a first portion of the frequency spectrum. Second circuitry may be coupled to another output and operate as a second step attenuator for signals in a second portion of the frequency spectrum. Second selection circuitry may be coupled to the first and second circuitry and may provide a step attenuated signal from the first or second portion of the frequency spectrum.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to the field of programmable step attenuators, and more particularly to a programmable hybrid step attenuator useable to step attenuate signals over a broad range of the frequency spectrum.DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART[0002]There are two basic types of step attenuators, mechanical and electronic. Typical mechanical step attenuators are generally characterized as slow, expensive, and bulky. Additionally, mechanical step attenuators generally have a limited life of 1 to 5 million cycles. Electronic, pin diode switch based step attenuators are typically less expensive and faster than mechanical step attenuators and are generally useable for on the higher end of the frequency spectrum, e.g., microwave and radio frequency (RF) frequency ranges. However, pin based step attenuators have a limited frequency range on the lower end of the frequency spectrum.[0003]Alternatively, RF micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) switches may be...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a technology that uses multiple RF MEMS switches to act as a second step attenuator for signals in the second portion of the frequency spectrum. Each RF MEMS switch is associated with a fixed attenuator, and a relay or ESD protection device may be used to protect the switches from damage during switching. The technical effect of this technology is to improve the accuracy and reliability of signal processing in electronic devices.

Problems solved by technology

Typical mechanical step attenuators are generally characterized as slow, expensive, and bulky.

Additionally, mechanical step attenuators generally have a limited life of 1 to 5 million cycles.

However, pin based step attenuators have a limited frequency range on the lower end of the frequency spectrum.

However, RF MEMS switches are not as effective at microwave frequencies because of a lack of isolation between switch-ports at microwave frequencies.

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